Mechanistic Analysis of Complex Non-chain Reactions

The methods and techniques described above will be illustrated by the following worked examples. 

This problem illustrates how to deduce a mechanism from basically non-kinetic data. 

Question. The following results were obtained from a study of the photochemical decomposition of propanone, CH3COCH3  

The quantum yield of CO is unity above 120 °C, but is less than unity below 120 °C. 

The major products are C2H6 and CO, but CH4 is also found in substantial amounts. CH3COCOCH3 is also formed below 120 °C. 

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